Turning a passion into taking a plunge has reaped rewards for founder, Elizabeth ColĂłn.

Online PR News – 08-February-2011 – – Chicago, IL â€“ February 8, 2011 â€“ Intercultural roots, a desire to help others and a passion for language are all ingredients in an award-winning company recipe, created by Chicago entrepreneur, Elizabeth ColĂłn. The language services company, Metaphrasis Language and Cultural Solutions (Metaphrasis) today announced its founder, Elizabeth ColĂłn received an honorable mention as one of Enterprising Women Magazineâ€™s 2011 Enterprising Woman of the Year.

According to Enterprising Women Magazine, the interpreting and translation agency's founder was selected for this distinguished group of women because she was able to demonstrate a fast-growth business, mentor or actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship, and stand out as leaders in the community. Many of these women are also leaders in key organizations that support the growth of womenâ€™s entrepreneurship.

With over 300 translators and 100 interpreters, ColĂłn has created a company that provides much needed services to Chicago's multi-cultural businesses. Her unique model provides professional training for those already speaking a second language to begin a career as an interpreter. â€śEmpowering people to take a skill they already have and apply it to the professional world is something everyone can appreciate. I believe in providing a corporate environment where we are service-minded in what we do, but also who we are," commented founder Elizabeth ColĂłn. This speaks to the company's recent opening of an Intercultural Center to be used for events, training and meetings.

ColĂłn was born in Chicago, but spent some of her young years living in Puerto Rico where she enriched herself in the culture and language. Having parents who were Limited-English Proficient (LEP), she is committed through her companyâ€™s mission, to provide equal access to services to the Latino and other diverse communities by eliminating disparities and language barriers. She is an outspoken proponent of diversity and bridging communication gaps and promoting equal access to quality services through the use of trained medical interpreters and her passion for languages.

â€śI am so pleased to receive this award and be grouped with such prestigious companies. The fact that Enterprising Women recognized me among this group is so rewarding. I have always strived to run a company that makes a difference in our community,â€ť continued ColĂłn.

Her experience in both non-profit and for profit environments enables her to cater to the needs of many different business environments. She is the Midwest Regional State Representative for the International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA) and is Board Director for the Midwest Association of Translators and Interpreters (MATI).

Through ColĂłn's efforts, Metaphrasis currently has contracts with such distinguished healthcare facilities as Northwestern Memorial Hospital, NorthShore University HealthSystem and Advocate Health Care, among others.

About Metaphrasis
Metaphrasis is a full-service language company connecting businesses with their diverse clients and community. Language services include onsite interpreting, telephonic interpreting, document translation, cultural diversity training, testing, and consulting. Providing language services is just one way businesses can show their dedication to their clients, employees, and community. Based on a recent company survey, Metaphrasis was rated superior in the areas of professionalism, client service, expertise in their field and trustworthiness. The company is headquartered in Frankfort, Illinois and may be reached at 815-464-1423, in Chicago at 312-924-1845 or online at www.metaphrasislcs.com. Follow Metaphrasis on Twitter @Metaphrasislcs.